The first organized militia regiment in the Western World was formed in 1673 at Piscataway, New Jersey. It later became part of the British Crown Provincial forces and was known as the "Jersey Blues" as their coats were blue with red lapels. The Third New Jersey Regiment was mustered during the American Revolution and has a claim to be part of the longest history of any U.S. military unit as the name, "Jersey Blues", continues today with elements of the New Jersey National Guard.
http://www.jerseyblues.org/history.html